I've noticed that other cars (at least all the ones I've driven) with paddle shifters require you to put it into "sport" or some special gate. The Fit's paddles work in both Drive and Sport.

 

Confused. Are you asking a question or just making an observation? They're all just a different approach to doing the same thing. Fit just cuts out the middleman.

 

I have found that others I have driven have the same operation as the Fit, you can execute a shift change without actually shifting into Sport mode.

The Fit has some of the most responsive paddles IMO, for instance the Corvette rental car I drove had way too much lag

 

Just an observation.

 

Yes, they do "work" in both modes.

However in Sport mode, it allows a little more freedom. You can shift when you want to and it'll generally stay in the gear you leave it in.

In Drive mode, the paddle shifting is generally reserved for a random downshift if you need to pass someone. After a few second, it'll go back into normal Drive mode.

Keep in mind, the Fit is still an "automatic" vehicle. Other cars that have paddle shifters can be considered more of a "clutchless automatic" or "dual clutch". They are generally reserved to sports cars and have acronyms such as DCT (BMW), DSG (Volkwswagens), F1 (Ferrari), PDK (Porsche), etc.